Today marks a significant milestone in the fight against human trafficking in the United States. At 10 am this morning, the long-awaited Trafficking Survivors Relief Act (TSRA) was introduced in the US House of Representatives by Representatives Fry (R), Lieu (D), and Ann Wagner (R). This bipartisan effort underscores the urgency and necessity of addressing the plight of trafficking survivors who have been unfairly burdened with criminal records.
“I am proud to introduce legislation that provides critical relief to victims who unjustly incurred criminal records as a result of having been a victim of trafficking,” stated Rep. Fry in a press release provided to CNN. “There are currently almost 30 million victims of human trafficking across the globe, and the grave reality is that it’s happening right here in our own communities in the United States.”
The introduction of the HR 7137 represents a significant step forward in providing support and justice to survivors of trafficking. Many individuals who have been victimized by trafficking find themselves ensnared in a cycle of exploitation, often facing barriers to employment, housing, and other opportunities due to criminal records resulting from their victimization. This bipartisan legislation aims to alleviate these burdens and provide survivors with the opportunity to rebuild their lives free from the stigma of their past experiences.
The need for such legislation cannot be overstated. Human trafficking is a pervasive and insidious crime that affects millions of people worldwide, including individuals within our own communities. It is imperative that we take concrete steps to support survivors and hold traffickers accountable for their actions. By coming together in a bipartisan manner, representatives have demonstrated their commitment to addressing the complex challenges faced by trafficking survivors and ensuring that they receive the support and resources they need to heal and thrive.
We all have a role to play in this critical effort. We have been advocating on behalf of Hope for Justice alongside other organizations to see this come to fruition. Now is the time to make your voice heard and stand in solidarity with survivors of trafficking by sharing this letter signed by 103 organizations and leaders with your member of Congress.
Together, we can work towards a future where all individuals are free from the horrors of trafficking and have the opportunity to rebuild their lives with dignity and respect.
